Decision

1. that the Torbay Young Futures Hub and Local Youth Transformation Programme overview be noted;
2. that the proposed strategic direction, including development of a multi-venue Young Futures Hub model and co-production of Torbay’s first Youth Strategy with children and young people, be endorsed; and
3. that the Director of Children’s Services, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, be authorised to progress programme mobilisation, governance and co-production arrangements and bring forward the resulting Youth Strategy and any further decisions through the appropriate governance route.

Reasons for the decision

The programme responds to the current absence of a Torbay Youth Strategy and creates an opportunity to develop a new and innovative approach with children and young people.  It will also support the Council to strengthen delivery of its statutory duty under section 507B of the Education Act 1996 and align local arrangements with the National Youth Strategy, Families First Partnership expectations and the Young Futures programme.

Alternative options considered

Developing a Youth Strategy outside of the programme was rejected as it would not have attracted the same level of support and investment.  Maintaining existing arrangements was rejected as it would have left the strategic gap unresolved and risked losing external funding opportunities.